March 21, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 21, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 21^st of March, 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as presented.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 14, 2005 as presented.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the public forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Roger Pearson, ECMC Administrator, Robin Boisvert, President of the ECMC Board of Directors and David Stonebraker, Vice President met with the Commissioner to discuss their plans for expansion of the outpatient facilities at the hospital. They have looked into the project and have been given a rough estimate of $750,000 to $1,000,000 for the expansion. This would add a total of 65,000 square feet to the building. The Board does not feel that they would be financially able to do this project and presented other financing options. All of the options would entail raising the mill levy, however, some of the options would allow more public input into the decision. The Commissioners agreed they would be willing to meet with the Board to discuss the matter more fully at their convenience. The remodeling project they are currently doing should be completed by June 7^th. Mr. Pearson reported the hospital had a profit of $158,000 for February with a year-to-date loss of $146,352.

Al Oller, Gerald Pauley and Nels Anderson, Holyrood residents, brought their concerns about the fair distribution of money from the ECCA. They had requested $7,000 to run the Holyrood meals program for the 2005 budget but only received $3,000. All other senior centers received the remaining $56,000. Presently the Holyrood site is feeding about 30 a day including the meals they deliver to individual homes. Without adequate funding, they will not be able to provide the service needed. The Commissioners will discuss the matter with the ECCA Board.

Kevin Ludlum and Gaye Woods, EMS Co-Directors, reported that with the recent rain, they had a few wet spots and would check the roof. Both directors attended a workshop in Topeka and the car had to have some repairs. The Commissioners set May as a time to review the 24-hour service.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported she had received a contract for spraying the state right-of-ways. She and the Commissioners agreed not to participate. The Annual Noxious Weed Management Plan for 2005 was presented for signature and signed. Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the low bid from Don’s Home Repair of $2,888.34 to replace the windows in the Noxious Weed building. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mrs. Shute has talked with the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and they would be interested in making the recycling bins.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz asked again if the Commissioners had made a decision to allow him to hire a personal attorney at the county’s expense for a lawsuit that has been filed against the county and county employees. The Commissioners will discuss the situation with the attorney appointed by the insurance company. The Commissioners asked if he had a pursuit policy and he indicated he did. That was one of the policies that the KWORC representative asked about on his visit last week.

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management, reported he had been in contact with Nine, One, One, Inc. and they had indicated our dispatch system was Phase II ready except for maybe a truck line and software. Mr. Bernard will continue to work on getting the system ready to meet our first deadline, Phase I, which must be completed by July, 2005.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Transfer of Sick Leave policy dated today, March 21, 2005.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 48, 51 & 52 in the amount of $217.28.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser and Commissioner Heitschmidt accepted the invitation to attend a luncheon sponsored by Barton County on April 13. Other counties that will be represented are Pawnee, Rice, Rush, Russell and Stafford. Commissioner Rush had a previous appointment.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 11:55 p.m.

 

_______________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

 

 

March 14, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 14, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 14^th day of March 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda with a deletion.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of March 7, 2005 with a minor correction and the Minutes of March 8, 2005 as presented.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Carol Lee Miner, Shelia Nelson-Stout and Pat Wallerius, representing OCCK, Inc., visited with the Commissioners about the Center and the many services they provide. Due to the economy and the state funding reductions, Ms. Miner reviewed the many cuts and correction that have been made to make those services more efficient. Mr. Wallerius explained the new transportation system that provides transportation to anyone needing the service. They have a fleet of 22 vans that travel to nine counties to provide transportation to jobs, doctor appointments, and etc. The charge is minimal and the funding for the program is sponsored through the Sunflower Health Network and KDOT. The service is available to Ellsworth County citizens and is being used on a regular basis.

Doug McKinney, North Central Regional Planning Commission, and David Bailey, Post Rock Rural Water District, informed the Commissioners they would like to submit a grant proposal for funds to make the Post Rock Water District operations compliant with new water regulations and to insure the availability of water to the district. Due to the fact that Ellsworth County has a substantial portion of land in the district, they would like for the county to again be the sponsor for the grant. The Commissioners agreed they would be able to sponsor the grant. Mr. McKinney and Mr. Bailey will come back to the Commissioners when they are ready to proceed.

Paul Westerman, resident, voiced his compliant and concern over some recent roadwork done on the Lincoln-Ellsworth county line road.

A Department Head meeting was held at 10:00 a.m. with the following attending: Pam Westerman, Nancy Hysong, Teresa Shute, Kevin Ludlum, Gaye Woods, Tracy Ploutz, Paula Schneider, Peggy Svaty, Rick Nondorf and Janet Andrews. The Commissioners reviewed their proposed policy change for transfer of sick leave pool. The new policy makes it an individual to individual transfer rather than creating an accumulated pool. Each department gave a brief synopsis of their department’s activities.

Teresa Shute, Noxious Weed-Landfill Supervisor, reported that in 2004, 119,328 lbs. had been recycled compared to 73,421 lbs. in 2003. Three bids have been received for the replacement of the windows in the Noxious Weed building. Due to the difference in the bids, the issued was tabled until next week in order to get more information. Mrs. Shute asked if she could contact ECF to see if they would be able to make the metal bins she uses for recycling and the Commissioners urged her to do so. Free landfill days were discussed with no decision being made.

Kevin Ludlum & Gaye Woods, EMS Co-Directors, were called out on an emergency transfer and were not able to keep their appointment with the Commissioners.

Carl Eyman, KWORC, gave the Commissioners some graphs and charts showing workers compensation usage for the county. Although we did not have a sizable number of claims, two of them were large. At the present time our experience mode is below one but may climb due to the large claims. Mr. Eyman discussed the safety classes they provide to the county and the Commissioners asked that he contact the EMS about offering two of the classes.

Brent Goss, Extension Service, reported the concrete footings for the new building has been completed and the erection of the building should take place on April 1, 2005.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

There were no old business items on the Agenda.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 46,47,49, & 50 in the amount of $340.12.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Resolution 05R06, Amending Resolution 04R08, A Resolution Approving The Granting Of A Tax Exemption On Economic Development Grounds to Moly Manufacturing.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Chairman Rush will attend the Board Source Training Session sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce in Wichita.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

 

_________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

March 8, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 8, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 8^th day of March, 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioners

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

2. OTHER BUSINESS:

The Commissioners discussed with the County Appraiser, Carl Miller, the recent complaints they had on some property values. Mr. Miller reviewed with them how property was valued and the different models used in arriving at an appraisal. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Miller for the information and reported they had asked the individual at the meeting on the 7^th to schedule an appointment with him about their particular piece of property.

3. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 9:10 a.m.

 

_____________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

March 7, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 7, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 7^th day of March 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:

Lavel Heitschmidt, 1^st District Commissioner

Kermit Rush, 2^nd District Commissioner

Terry L. Kueser, 3^rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as presented.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of February 28, 2005 and March 4, 2005 with a minor correction on the 28^th.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

Property owners, Jack Rathbun, Carol Christensen, George Grogg, Harlan Black and Butch Lloyd, expressed their concern on the new appraised valuations on their property on Highway 156. In some cases, they said the value went up 2,000%. The wanted to know why their property was valued so much more than some adjoining property. The Commissioners will talk with Carl Miller, the Appraiser, tomorrow about their concerns, but it is best that they make individual appointments with him.

Harry Hunsley, P. E. with Kirkham, Michael & Associates, visited with the Commissioners and expressed the company’s appreciation for their continued support and business.

Tracy Ploutz, Sheriff, reported he had purchased two Tasers and that Deputy Bill Chansler has been enrolled in an instructor’s course for operation of the Tasers. He then will be able to train other personnel.

Pat Kinnaird, Central Kansas Mental Health Center, gave the Commissioners a quarterly update on the services and events in Ellsworth County. They will have a Pizza and Parenting forum again this year on April 19^th. They continue to offer counseling services in Ellsworth on Wednesday and emergency services are available on a 24-hour basis. Recently, they met with the staff at the Ellsworth County Medical Center Rural Health Clinic to share information and to design protocols for psychiatric emergencies at the hospital.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the bid from Wenz Interiors for carpeting and installation of a door in Judge Svaty’s Office. The approved bid was for the carpet glued on the floor for $1,316.23 and $728.59 for installation of the door.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve February accounts payable in the amount of $227,758.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 43-45 for $317.70.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a Cereal Malt Beverage License for Smoky Hill Trading Post.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve an Employee License to sell Sexually Oriented Material to Michael Daniel Craig.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve a Resolution 05R05, A Resolution In Support Of The Nomination of Kansas Scenic Byway As A National Scenic Byway Destination.

Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. ADOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush recessed the meeting until Tuesday, March 8^th at 8:30 a.m. At that time they will visit with the County Appraiser. The Commissioners recessed at 12:00 Noon.

____________________________________________

Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

MARCH 4, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

MARCH 4, 2005

The Board of County Commissioners convened this 4th of March 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse to canvass the votes for the Wilson Primary Election held on March 1, 2005. Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

2. CANVASS OF BALLOTS

The Commissioners canvassed the ballots with no corrections. There were six provisional ballots and the Commissioners determined that five should be counted. The Provisional ballots were counted but did not change the previous totals of the election.

3. ADOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 8:30 a.m.



___________________________________
Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

FEBRUARY 28, 2005

ELLSWORTH COU NTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 28, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 28th day of February 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse.

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Heitschmidt moved to approve the Minutes of February 22, 2005 as presented.
Commissioner Kueser seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS

Kenny Bernard, Emergency Management Director, reported on the recent exercise on mass evacuation. It was done at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. The EMS was not able to participate, as they were busy with “real” cases, so they had to use other resources, such as the fire department, for the triage and evacuation. In a real incident, our mutual aid agreements with other counties would kick in and help would be available. In regards to a telephone line being installed in the downstairs office, it will not be necessary. Also, ECF has authorized him to use his cell phone during his working hours for emergency calls. Mr. Bernard outlined the agri-terrorism plan being formulated and asked if the next ambulance could be retained for use as a command center rather than being traded in. The unit could be equipped for communication with the bio-terrorism grant money. The Commissioner will take his request under consideration.

Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, reported they would be hosting a gravel road workshop for the State of Kansas on Wednesday. In the afternoon they would be doing a demonstration on the landfill road. The Mental Health Consortium who does the random drug testing for the county asked if we wanted our policy amended to accept negative diluted specimens or retesting. It was agreed the county would accept negative diluted specimens. A crossbar signal will be installed on the salt mine road funded by the State. The Commissioners signed an agreement with the state for signage on the railroad crossing. The 1993 dump truck went down last week. It has 300,000 miles on it and the cost for repair would be over $12,000. Mr. Nondorf asked for authorization to buy a new Sterling truck for $66,220 and box for $11,000. Commissioner Kueser moved to authorize purchase of a Sterling dump truck and box in the amount of $77,220. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. They are presently hauling millings and tearing out a bridge by Lorraine. Mr. Nondorf discussed the complaints on the low road during the recent bad weather. The Commissioners asked him to check on the cost of a facility to hold salt and sand for road use. The Road & Bridge Department will remove the broken sidewalk from the county’s property in Lorraine and build a new one. Also, he will check with Mr. Handlin, the former supervisor, about the tanks under the property.

Anita Hoffhines, Hoffhines Marketing, gave the Commissioners an update on the Welcome Home Program and the enormous workload all the advertising has generated. She discussed more funding but the Commissioners cautioned that the money budgeted was all that was available this year.

Sheriff Tracy Ploutz reported the countertops were in but he had to replace a sink and a couple of cabinets under the sinks. The Commissioners discussed the request for use of the sick leave pool.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

A draft copy of a new sick leave policy was presented for approval. A minor addition was made and it will be given to the department heads for discussion at the next meeting on March 14th.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the request for use of the sick leave pool. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

4. NEW BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the February payroll in the amount of $143,012.79.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve Abatements 31-42 for $1,386.26.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve membership in the Wilson Chamber of Commerce for 2005 for $50.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

6. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.



___________________________________
Janet L. Andrews, Ellsworth County Clerk

FEBRUARY 22, 2005

ELLSWORTH COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 22, 2005

The Board of Ellsworth County Commissioners convened this 22nd day of February 2005 at the Ellsworth County Courthouse

Members Present:
Lavel Heitschmidt, 1st District Commissioner
Kermit Rush, 2nd District Commissioner
Terry L. Kueser, 3rd District Commissioner

1. OPENING BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Agenda with an addition.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Kueser moved to approve the Minutes of February 14, 2004 as presented.
Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.

No one was present for the Public Forum.

2. APPOINTMENTS:

John Sherman, Scott Moore and Roberta Waymaster, members of the Countywide Website Committee, met with the Commissioners to discuss the concept of the site and how the county would be involved. The website’s front page would link to all the cities and county sites as well as area tourism venues. They would ask the county to host the site at the same cost they are paying now and each entity would have control of their own site. There would be some startup cost, but they could be divided between the entities. The Commissioners felt their plan had merit and asked them to pursue it further.

Commissioner Kueser moved to go into executive session to discuss acquisition of property with Mark Jensen and Linda Baburek, Union Pacific Railroad, from 9:35 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. County Clerk, Jan Andrews, was included in the session. The Commissioners returned to open session at 9:50 a.m. No action was taken.

Chairman Rush opened the bids on the excess landfill property at 10:00 a.m. The bids were: David Kempke, $2,397; Troy Kralik, $3,100; and Donald Soukup, $2,642. Commissioner Kueser moved to accept the bid of $3,100 for the 100.30 acres submitted by Troy Kralik. Commissioner Heitschmidt seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Mike Olson and Lisa Lindsley, representing Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc., wanted to give the Commissioners an update on the Welcome Home project. They are being inundated with calls from the newspaper article that appeared in USA Today and other papers that have picked up the story. The information will air on a Spanish network today and they expect to be very busy. On other projects, the two homes they are building are almost finished and one of them has been sold. Commissioner Kueser expressed his concern that Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc. and Ellsworth City had overshadowed the County’s contributions in the newspaper articles. Also, he questioned if the lots in the other cities such as Kanopolis, Holyrood, Wilson and Lorraine were being given equal treatment in the information being disseminated. Mr. Olson assured him the other cities were being given equal treatment and would discuss his other concern with the Director, Anita Hoffhines.

3. OLD BUSINESS:

Commissioner Heitschmidt reported she had been to the Lorraine City Council regarding the lot the county owns. They are not interested in acquiring the lots but would like to see the old sidewalk taken up and a new one laid. Chairman Rush will visit with the Road & Bridge Department to see if they would be willing to take on the project.

The Commissioners reviewed several sick leave pool policies from other counties and felt they would like to go from a pool bank to individual to individual. The County Clerk will work on a policy to present to them and when finalized, present it to the department heads at their next meeting.

4: NEW BUSINESS:

Chairman Rush, Commissioner Heitschmidt and Rick Nondorf, Road & Bridge Supervisor, will attend the NCKCHOA meeting at Junction City on March 24th.

The request for use of hours from the sick leave pool was tabled until the department head could be consulted.

In compliance with Kansas Statutes, the County Clerk presented the 2004 Ellsworth County Inventory. The County Attorney’s inventory is not included.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Rush adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.


_________________________________
Janet L. Andrews
Ellsworth County Clerk